A couple of hundred veterans enjoyed an afternoon on the water, courtesy of the collaboration among CASRA, MOUSA, and the five CASRA yacht clubs (Burnham Park YC; Chicago Corinthian YC; Chicago YC, Columbia YC; Jackson Park YC).

The 1st Annual Veteran's Cruise had been under development since October 2017 and July 1st the day had finally arrived, for the 1st annual Veterans Lake Front Cruise.  More than 200 veterans and their family members & guests, were treated to an afternoon on the water, most in sail boats and some in power boats, by volunteer boat owners from the five CASRA yacht clubs.

Winds were brisk, seas were less than calm (Monroe outer harbor had a 3+ foot chop), and a squall line was forecast to arrive around 4 pm, yet the day came off perfectly.  Choreographed like a Swiss watch, motor coaches full of veterans arrived at each CASRA yacht club between 12:30 and 1:00 pm.  Following safety briefings, veterans were led to their assigned boat by the boat owners/skippers.  Another safety briefing on board specific to each boat, then lines were cast and off all went.

Some sailboats hoisted sail, while others didn't (recall brisk winds, 3+ foot chop, and veterans totally new to sailing).  On the power boats, all veterans opted to be out on deck in the fresh air to take in the sights of the harbors, Navy Pier, the Playpen, city skyline, etc.  Four of the five veterans on the boat I was on had never seen Chicago from the water...needless to say it was a great experience for them all.

MOUSA (Military Outreach USA), a charitable organization dedicated to supporting veterans from all conflicts, did the heavy lifting of all shore side activities.  CASRA clubs organized and coordinated all on the water activities.

A BIG THANK YOU to boat owners who volunteered their boats and their time, MOUSA and the five CASRA yacht clubs.  

As racing sailors we all feel the passion of our sport, however, the feeling of being able to show those who've served our country a nice afternoon on the water is truly immeasurable.  All owners are welcome to join the 2019 iteration.